Quantum Networking for Secure and Reliable Communication in Space Exploration

In the coming years, space missions will increasingly require communication systems capable of ensuring high-performance, safe, and reliable data transmission between ground stations and spacecraft. Since classical communication systems will be inadequate and have enormous limitations, this article intends to analyze the potential of quantum networking in addressing future challenges of space communications. We introduce well-known phenomena of quantum mechanics, such as non-cloning, entanglement, quantum measurement, and quantum teleportation, which open up a completely new scenario in the design of the communication network. Finally, we propose a network architecture for space exploration, aiming to take a look at the potential of quantum technology to establish communication between Earth and spacecraft by integrating terrestrial and non-terrestrial quantum networks.